Simple way for clearing all that rubbish

REGARDING letters from readers deploring the amount of litter we see everywhere and advocating more action on the part of local authorities, punishment of the perpetrators and educating them, all of which really amounts to letting off steam since it does not actually achieve anything.

My method does, being quite simply that if each of us, on every occasion we leave home, pick up one piece of rubbish and dispose of it properly, we would make a difference; this would be small if considered individually, but immense if many did it.

Clearly, if everyone picked up two items, the effect would be doubled, but it is not necessary to attack the Yorkshire All Comers record (held by me) which at present stands at 208 beer/Coke tins collected during one quite lengthy constitutional, and sent to be recycled – though you are welcome to try.

Facing up to passport desk

From: Martin D Stern, Hanover Gardens, Salford.

JOHN Rookes (Yorkshire Post, March 6) cites the recent case of a passenger at one of Britain’s airports who was asked by security to remove his scarf for security reasons.

Department for Transport rules do not prevent people covering their faces at UK airports for religious reasons. However, all passengers must show their faces to UK Borders officials when they pass through passport control.

Muslim women who wear hijabs can request that their identity be checked by a female immigration officer and they can also ask that they be taken to a private room before they remove their headwear.

I hope that this heartening ruling is not restricted to Muslim women. My wife who, as an Orthodox Jewish married woman covers her hair in public, will be pleased to be able to quote it next time Border officials try to force her to remove her headscarf in public as happened two years ago. Since then she has preferred to wear a wig when travelling which seems not to cause any security concerns.

Needless to say she does not veil her face, but I always thought a hijab also did not do that. Perhaps the Department made a mistake and meant a niqab or burqa which does.

Deceit that is politics today

From: Terry Rowe, Dove Close, Bolton-upon-Dearne, Near Rotherham.

I AM in total agreement with all facets of the letter submitted by Bob Crowther (Yorkshire Post, March 5).

I, too, have become totally disheartened by the way the politicians of this country are selling the country, its assets and its values down the river.

They promise the earth while on their campaign trails, then once elected they pursue their own agenda. I do not trust any of them and have no faith whatever in their announcements and proclamations.

For many years, I have been registered as a postal voter for both local and government elections. This year I have ignored the correspondence from the council, which I would have to sign if I wish to remain as a postal voter. I have ignored them because I am finished with them all. I want no further part in the deceit that is today’s British politics.

I am in my mid 60s, I have served in the Armed Forces and also in the police service and it thoroughly disgusts me the way this once great country of ours is now the laughing stock of Europe.

A list of New Elizabethans

From: William Snowden, Butterbowl Gardens, Farnley Ring Road, Leeds.

TO mark the Queen’s Jubilee, the BBC is asking listeners to nominate great, New Elizabethans. These are my nominations:

The Queen: for upholding traditional values of honour, duty and service, which are timeless.

Lady Margaret Thatcher: a visionary world leader, whose pivotal position with President Regan and General Secretary Gorbachev, eased East West tensions culminating in the end of the Cold War.

Archbishop John Sentamu: a refreshingly candid, Christian leader. A latter day St George doing battle with secularist dragons.

Colonel Herbert ‘H’ Jones VC: His selfless courage evoked memories of former Elizabethan heroes like Sir Francis Drake.

Roger Bannister: A true Corinthian who epitomised the real virtue of sport.

Stephen Hawking: The pre-eminent scientist of his age; and an inspirational presence.

Richard Dyson: Irrepressible inventor, innovator and entrepreneur. A great role model.

Ralph Vaughan Williams: a national composer, whose lyrical, pastoral and folk-based compositions spanned the generations and the ages.